Do infections lead to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in the population?

It has been hypothesized that infectious agents, which can lead to neuroinflammation, may be a contributory cause to neurodegeneration. We propose to investigate infections as a potential risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Using New Zealand nationwide health registers, we will test whether infections forecast the development of ADRD in the subsequent 30 years. We will test whether associations hold across sex, age, different types of infections, and different types of dementia; within sibling pairs matched on family-level risk factors; and after controlling for socioeconomic deprivation and psychiatric and physical comorbidities. Results will provide evidence for whether the prevention and control of infections might reduce the societal burden of neurodegenerative conditions. Through this project we will also create exportable tools for use by other ADRD researchers employing linked administrative data in their work, including a linked-sibling data resource.